The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Share your thoughts on Pasco’s long-range plan

By

Pasco County is in the process of updating its long-range plan. One issue expected to get considerable discussion is how the county allocates land uses for residential, commercial and industrial development. Currently, seven out of 10 employed Pasco residents travel elsewhere for work. County leaders want to change that. (Mike Camunas)

Pasco County is updating its comprehensive plan, which provides a vision and policies that influence future planning decisions and affects economic development, transportation, parks, natural resources and other aspects of life within the county.

The county has set up a website to invite public participation in the Pasco 2050 plan, which will guide decision-making for the next 25 years, according to a county news release.

The county welcomes members of the public to visit the website, to:

  • Participate in surveys, polls and contests
  • Register to receive updates on the process
  • Stay informed about upcoming public meetings
  • Provide input and feedback throughout the process

Pasco is among Florida’s fastest-growing counties, and this planning process will have significant implications regarding how the county plans for various types of uses, including commercial, residential and industrial.

To begin weighing in on the county’s planning process and to keep abreast of what’s happening, visit Pasco2050.com.

Published May 18, 2022

Seeking photos of your favorite grad

By

It doesn’t matter if your favorite graduate is finishing prekindergarten, wrapping up fifth grade, moving up from middle school, or collecting a high school diploma or bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree — we want to help you celebrate, by sharing your favorite grad’s photo.

All we need is a photo of a happy, touching or funny moment from the big day, or party.

Posed photos or spontaneous photos are fine. If you send a group shot, please ID the people in the photo from left to right; also, please send us an individual shot of the graduate, too, to give us a better chance of being able to include the graduate on our photo page, or pages.

Be sure to include the graduate’s first and last name, and the name of the student’s school.

Feel free to include a sentence or two, about your favorite grad.

And include your contact information, so we can reach back, if we have questions.

Every photo submitted will be considered for publication.

Please send your submissions by June 1 to ">.

We plan to publish our graduation photo package on June 8.

Published May 18, 2022

Some pointers for planning graduation parties

By

Graduations are extra special this year because finally — after a lengthy pandemic pause — people are gathering again with family and friends to celebrate their favorite graduate’s achievement.

So, are you honoring someone in the Class of 2022 this year?

If so, this column may come in handy.

Here are a few ideas, to help you get your party planning started.

Fruits and vegetables
A selection of fruits and vegetables is a great way to start.

You can arrange them on a tray, or build them into a three-tiered arrangement.

It’s hard to go wrong with fruits, veggies and dips or spreads.

Here’s a thought: Choose colors of your graduate’s school to get in the spirit of things.

(Shout out to my fellow University of Central Florida alumni: Enjoy some pineapple and blackberries.)

How about some candy?
You can make a candy station in jars:

  • Smarties for your smarty pants graduate
  • Ring pops for class rings
  • Sour gummy worms for book worms
  • 100 Grand bars, for those who have big student loans; or, optimistically, for a graduate’s future salary

And, of course, Nerds are another option.

Here’s a smart idea: Create your own edible diplomas
Make edible diplomas by simply tying a school-color ribbon around diploma-shaped food:  cheese sticks, spring rolls, Little Debbie Swiss rolls, sandwich wraps, and so on.

Food stations
A taco bar, a hot dog bar, an ice cream sundae bar, a salad bar, a coffee bar or other various types of food bars or stations go great at a graduation party.

How about a charcuterie board?
These have become increasingly popular charcuterie boards, with their visual appeal and assortment of different textures and colors of various foods.

The University of Arkansas Extension offers these pointers:

Start with four different cheeses: Hard, semi-hard, semi-soft and soft.

Choose three cold cured meats.

Select three types of crackers: Plain, multigrain or whole grain and flavored.

Use fruits to add color to your board. You can do two or three fresh fruits and one dried fruit.

Fill extra spaces on the board with nuts.

For extra saltiness, add in something briny like pickles or olives.

Choose some spreads. It’s good to have a variety, such as jam or honey for a sweet spread and hummus or mustard for a salty spread.

You can focus on a graduation theme

  • For graduates from medical programs: A clear jar full of marshmallows (cotton balls); a glove filled with popcorn (sterile glove); jellybeans or mixed nuts (kidney stones); a piece of cheese on a rectangular cracker (a Band-Aid); Jello shot syringes or plastic needleless syringes (shots).
  • For graduates from law school: Gavel pops (the top half of a marshmallow dipped in chocolate, inserted with a thick pretzel stick.)

Now, without further ado, congratulations to all of you who are hosting graduation parties this year, and good wishes for all of the graduates in the Class of 2022.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

These no-bake graduation cap cookies are likely to be a big hit for graduates of all ages, and the friends and family who have joined them to celebrate their achievements. (premeditatedleftovers.com )

RECIPE
Here’s a recipe from premidiatedleftover.com for a treat that will work for graduates, at any level.

No-bake graduation cap cookies

Ingredients:

  • 12 Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares
  • 1 box Fudge Covered Oreo Cookies
  • Decorating icing (school colors or grad’s favorite color)
  • 4 ounces milk chocolate morsels

Directions:

  • Melt chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave on high, stirring every 15 to 20 seconds until melted.
  • Warning: Do not overheat as the chocolate will seize.
  • If the chocolate becomes tough, you can add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Do not add water.
  • Dip one side of the Fudge Covered Oreo in the melted chocolate. Immediately press against the branded side of the Ghirardelli Chocolate square
  • For the tassel, pipe a curved line from the middle of each chocolate square to the corner. Add a small dot of icing in the middle, at the beginning of the line.
  • Allow chocolate and icing to set completely, prior to packing or serving.

Published May 18, 2022

Pasco Sheriff’s Office issues safe boating reminders

By

As boaters head out to enjoy summer vacation, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has issued some reminders intended to help them to enjoy the water, safely.

So, before heading out, be sure to file a float plan. That’s critical in the event of an emergency and will give search and rescue crews a huge advantage, in knowing where to begin, the sheriff’s office post says.

Also, before hitting the water, be sure you have these items on your boat:

  • Life jackets
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Visual distress signals
  • Sound-producing devices
  • Locator device
  • Water
  • Navigation lights
  • Permits/decals

Published May 18, 2022

Volunteer openings available on economics committee

By

Pasco County’s Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee (JEOC) is seeking volunteers to oversee the use of the JEOC Trust Fund portion of the Penny for Pasco surtax proceeds, according to a county news release.

Members of the volunteer board are responsible for ensuring that Penny for Pasco spending meets the requirements to promote projects creating new jobs and economic growth.

The committee is made up of nine members, representing expertise from each of the following areas: finance/banking, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing and other private industries.

The committee meets at least quarterly and presents an annual update to the Pasco County Commission.

Terms are one year or two years, depending upon the industry.

Pasco County voters first passed the Penny for Pasco local government infrastructure surtax in 2004 to pay for county, city and school district improvements. The JEOCTF portion, adopted in 2015, is estimated to generate over $60 million in revenue to be used for target industry job creation and economic development projects designed to improve the local economy.

Applications for the JEOC openings are being accepted online through June 9 at bit.ly/AdvisoryBoardApp.

Published May 18, 2022

St. Leo chooses new mayor

By

The Town of St. Leo chose Vincent “Mike” D’Ambrosio as its new mayor during its annual May reorganization meeting, on May 9.

D’Ambrosio is director of safety and emergency management at Saint Leo University. He also is the assistant pastor at The Rock Church in Brooksville.

(Courtesy of Andrea Calvert)

A native of Citrus County, he has been employed at the university since 2008, and has lived in the Town of St. Leo for three years. He was appointed to the Town Commission in June of 2020.

He and his wife, Heidi, have three children: son Vincent “Dakota,” daughter Ryleigh Buchanan, and son Luke.

In other action, commissioners chose to retain James Hallett, O.S.B., as Mayor Pro Tem. Brother James became a Town Commissioner in April 2000. He is originally from Newton Falls, Ohio, where he lived with his family before joining the U.S. Army.

Hallett served three years in the military, including one year in Korea.

After leaving the Army, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in business from Kent State University, followed by a Master of Arts in accounting from Youngstown State University.

Hallett moved to Saint Leo Abbey in 1988. He is active in monastery life and is the manager of the Saint Leo Abbey gift shop.

The meeting also marked the return of William Hamilton, who was elected to fill Commission Seat Five in April.

Hamilton previously served on the Town Commission for eight years, including three as mayor.

Commissioner Hamilton is from St. Leo and is continuing a family history of service. His father served as a commissioner and as mayor, during the 1980s.

Hamilton and  his wife, Barbara, have four children.

Published May 18, 2022

Seeking applicants for Florida’s Supreme Court

By

The Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) is seeking applicants for the Florida Supreme Court, according to a news release.

The nominating commission is looking for qualified applicants to create the vacancy being created by the retirement of Justice Alan Lawson, which is effective Aug. 31.

The judicial application may be obtained from the Governor’s Judicial Nominations online at tinyurl.com/2p88v7b3.

Applicants must submit: (1) an original electronic copy of the application (including all attachments) in pdf format; and (2) a redacted electronic copy of the application (including all attachments), which excludes all material that is exempt or confidential under applicable public records laws, also in pdf format. Both the original and redacted electronic applications must be submitted electronically to all Commission members at their email addresses below before 5 p.m., on May 27.

The JNC strongly prefers the submission of applications in a searchable (i.e., non-scanned) pdf format.

The JNC will determine which applicants to interview. Those selected will be contacted to confirm the time, date and location of the interview.

The anticipated interview date is June 11, and if needed, June 12. The interviews are expected to take place in Tampa.

The members currently serving on the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission include:

Chair Fred Karlinsky, Weston, 

Vice Chair Jesse M. Panuccio, Palm Beach Gardens, 

Cynthia G. Angelos, Port St. Lucie, 

Daniel Nordby, Tallahassee, 

Hala A. Sandridge, Tampa, 

Heather Stearns, Tallahassee, 

Jeanne T. Tate, Tampa, 

Harout Samra, Coral Gables, 

Tim Cerio, Tallahassee, 

Published May 18, 2022

After 23 Years of Service, Commander Sets Sail For New Horizons

By

Service to one’s own country can be a difficult decision. It’s never easy to put on hold relationships, personal goals or any other ties we may have, to give up our time for something greater than ourselves.

The Laker/Lutz News would like to thank Commander Jason Cummings for his 23 years of service, as he retires from his position with the U.S. Navy.

Because of what is sacrificed, military service forever will be a noble pursuit, no matter the enlistment. When asked what his service meant to him, Cmdr. Cummings simply stated,

“It means that I was ensuring the protection of freedom and rights of everyone, afforded by the constitution.”

Jason Cummings was born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in White Bluff, Tennessee.  After graduating from Tennessee Technological University, he was commissioned via Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station Pensacola in October 2000. He attended the Naval Intelligence Officer Course in Dam Neck, Virginia. He earned his Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College Satellite Program in 2018.

Throughout his time in the military, Cmdr. Cummings and his family were stationed in Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, Japan, Florida, Hawaii and Maryland. While working for the Navy, he also visited many foreign places like Singapore, Thailand, Greece, Italy, England, and Israel.

“I grew up to see so much diversity,” said daughter Laurel Cummings, who is the Sales Assistant at The Laker/Lutz News.

“It gave me a stronger appreciation for people’s individuality and perspective on how important our communities can be. Also, getting to live in a lot of different environments was cool — from rainforests to deserts, I’ve seen a lot!”

Cmdr. Cummings’ first priority has always been his family; it’s what led him to his service in the first place.

“At the time, my first daughter was young and my second was on the way. I was making minimum wage with no insurance. The military was a good place to get benefits. Then, it ended up being my long term career,” said Cmdr. Cummings.

However, no matter what part of the world he was in, he understood that the ties of brotherhood were only temporary – family is eternal. Retirement was his way of coming back home to what truly matters most to him, this time for good. He used the parable of the Ship of Theseus to drive this point home. Overtime, if a ship had each of its components replaced, would the ship still be the same by the end?

“In the military, yes, this would be true. But with family – you can never be replaced,” said Cmdr. Cummings.

Now, as Cummings retires and steps away from his career, he wants to remind anyone who is seeking a long-term career in the military to find and maintain balance.

“Balance the demands of military service with the needs of your family. Their support makes the sacrifice worth it,” said Cummings.

Cmdr. Cummings has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal (three awards) as well as various other personal and unit level awards.

He will enjoy the rest of his retirement at his home in Lutz, spending time with his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their five children: Laurel, Catherine, Heather, Jacob and Thomas.

Published June 01, 2022

Pasco is offering rental assistance

By

Pasco County is partnering with local nonprofit agencies to help pay bills for renters, according to a county news release.

The Pasco County Commission has announced additional opportunities through its Helping with Emergency Assistance Relief for Tenants (H.E.A.R.T) 2.0 program.

The county’s Community Development department is working with the local nonprofits on this initiative.

The Pasco H.E.A.R.T. 2.0 program can pay up to 18 months of bills for qualifying renters.

Bills that are eligible for payment include rent, water and electric bills.

To qualify, your household must be at or below 80% of the area median income. You also must have a past due rent/utility bill.

You also must prove Pasco residency and have experienced a COVID-19 economic impact.

Pasco County received funding for this program through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Applications are being accepted online 24/7 through May 31.

To apply, visit bit.ly/PascoHEART.

For more information about the program or application process, call Pasco County Customer Service at 727-847-2411.

Published May 11, 2022

Honoring Vietnam veterans at commemorative dinner

By

It was a tight squeeze, so the Color Guard from Tampa’s American Legion Post 5, came out in a single file to post the colors prior to the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. From left: U.S. Air Force veteran Jess Scoggins, of Tampa; Ed O’Mara, of Tampa; Carlos Gill, of Tampa; and U.S. Navy veteran John Blidy, of Tampa. (Fred Bellet)

Soldiers returning from the Vietnam War often faced hostility and scorn.

An event commemorating the 50th anniversary of that war had a much different tone.

Here, those who served their country were regarded with respect, and their sacrifices were honored and celebrated.

About 150 people turned out for the event, hosted by American Legion Post 108, at the Plantation Palms Golf Club.

Veterans, family members and others gathered for the event, at which 44 Vietnam veterans were honored.

Tribute also was paid to those who did not return from the war — through displays in the room and the symbolic “Missing Man” table.

American Legion Post 108 Commander Randy Holeyfield welcomed those gathered, and Tampa’s American Legion Post 5 provided the ceremonial color guard and honor guard duties.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dan Biser, of Lutz, offered the opening prayer, and retired U.S. Marines Corps Maj. Gen. James Hartsell spoke on “Keeping the Legacy Alive.” Hartsell is the executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.

The atmosphere at the event was one of dignity, respect, honor and pride.

Published May 11, 2022

U.S. Army veteran Robert Hurt, of Tampa, has clear recollections of his years as a sergeant major in Vietnam, from 1966 to 1971.
United States Air Force veteran Joe Dilimone, left, was a flight line supervisor during his tours in Vietnam, from 1966 to 1968. He served in a role something like an air traffic controller, getting aircraft into the air and landing them. He attended the Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Dinner with his son, Robert, of Port Richey.
Bob Szymanowski, of Land O’ Lakes, right, sergeant-at-arms for American Legion Post 108, greets veterans. His son, Keith, of Brooksville, stands beside him.
Post Commander Randy Holeyfield reflects and remembers the Vietnam War. Holeyfield, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, welcomed the nearly 150 people who attended the event at the Plantation Palms Golf Club.
Sarah Holosopple looks over a Vietnam War commemorations displays set up in the banquet room at Plantation Palms Golf Club, the site of the event held to honor veterans of the Vietnam War and to mark the 50th anniversary of the war. She attended the event with her father, Gerry Holosopple, of Land O’ Lakes, a Vietnam War veteran.